You don't have to actually wear flowers, to enjoy them. And there is no more perfect time to stroll a garden, than during late summer...Sultry days and nights intensify the sweet floral and woodland scents, creating a rare perfume that can't be bottled. Stems and vines lift their leaves and petals towards the sun, while providing homes for birds and caterpillars that morph into butterflies. Delaware County is part of a 30 mile swath called The Nation's Garden Capital.There are currently 36 Gardens within that 30 mile radius that includes our Brandywine region and Philadelphia.One of our most beautiful and unique gardens is Chanticleer in Radnor Township.
Once the Rosengarten estate, today's Chanticleer is a colorful, contemporary garden within an historic setting.London's Financial Times called it "planted to perfection" and Garden Design magazine says it is "America's most inspiring garden."

Bell's Run, photo by Lisa Roper

But perhaps National Geographic Traveler Magazine said it best, calling it one of the most Beautiful Secret Gardens in North America.

Pictured right is Bell's Run, a quiet respite from the jazziness of the garden. Weedy trees were removed to give a clear view, and the undulating lawn is planted with hundreds of blue-flowered quamash (Camassia) that bloom in the spring.

LOCATION: ON OUR MAIN LINE
Open Wednesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm
Friday Evenings, open until 8pm.
For GPS use, please use this address: 786 Church Road, Wayne, PA 19087-4713Chanticleer Website

The newest Garden to open in the County, is Stoneleigh Gardens in Villanova

Stoneleigh has undergone a stunning transition from a beloved family home to a public garden, rich with native plants meant to inspire visitors to think in new ways about their own properties.

The original home and grounds of Haas Family...

It is a place with deep roots: towering trees, lauded landscape architecture, and community connections.

For nearly 80 years, Stoneleigh was
the home of the Haas family, who donated the property to Natural Lands in 2016 so that it would remain preserved forever. After much preparation, planning, and planting, Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden opened to the public in May of this year.

The Tudor Revival mansion at Stoneleigh was the Haas family home for generations. Today, it serves both as home to the Organ Historical Society that celebrates, preserves, and studies the pipe organ in America, including one installed in the house – and a space for a wide variety of programs in the future.

Beautiful nooks & crannies abound at Stoneleigh

Take the Big Tree Tour on Saturday, August 4th - 10am to noon.
From murmuring hemlocks to a weeping katsura, Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden boasts a trove of treasured trees. In fact, it is home to 10 trees that are among the 10 largest of their respective species in the state, including one state champion. don't miss a chance to join the Natural Lands staff on a walking tour to learn about the history and horticulture of the garden’s big trees
FREE Admission.
Registration required. Submit it online or call 610-353-5587 ext. 221.

BECOME A MEMBER!
Memberships start at just $50.

LOCATION: ON OUR MAIN LINE
1829 East County Line Road
Villanova , PA 19085

Tyler Arboretum is one of the most child-friendly places in the region. It is filled with secret places, tree houses, giant sculptures and meadows where you'd swear the fairies live...

Even a team of lovable goat 'gardeners' help to control pesky weeds at this beautiful and historic site. Tyler isone of the oldest arboreta in the northeastern United States, encompassing 650 acres of renowned plant collections, heritage and champion trees, historic buildings and 17 miles of hiking trails through woodlands, wetlands and meadows. The Arboretum is open to the public 362 days a year.

Explore Tyler's Butterfly House

Back by popular demand, Tyler’s Butterfly House opened a few weeks ago,with a range of butterflies and caterpillars, all carefully explained and interpreted by skilled and attentive docents.

It offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about, photograph, and get a close-up look at local butterflies in all stages of development. The exhibit features a 1,400-square-foot Butterfly House filled with natives including monarchs, sulphurs, hairstreaks, red-spotted purples, great spangled fritillaries, painted ladies and swallowtails. The exhibit includes extensive plantings that feed both butterflies and caterpillars.

LOCATION: ON OUR MAIN STREETS
The Butterfly House remains open daily until Labor Day weekend. Please note that sporadic closures may occur due to construction access for Tyler's Edible Garden Project.

USA Today recently listed Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College as one of the Top Ten Destination Gardens in the Country. Here's what they had to say:

Swarthmore College, home of Scott Arboretum

“There are nearly 600 public and botanical gardens nationwide, according to the American Public Gardens Association, and many are big, well-known attractions. However, others – like these 10 gardens – are smaller and lesser-known, yet equally travel-worthy. Free to the public, the Scott Arboretum at Swarthmore College focuses on the horticultural diversity of the Delaware Valley. Collections of cherry, crabapple, holly, hydrangea, magnolia and peony create a colorful show throughout the year. There are more than 4,000 varieties of flora on display, most labeled with their scientific and common names."

Scott Arboretum encompasses 425 acres that make up the Swarthmore College campus -- which is a major reason why it is is often named one of the most beautiful in the country. Located just 11 miles from Philadelphia, the rolling hills, flowering trees, and hiking trails offer a nature escape on the edge of a busy metropolis.

August 29th take the Evening Highlights Tour -6- 7:30 pm
This is a rare opportunity to explore the Arboretum's plant collections with staff. This tour is geared for gardeners from beginners to experts. The tour will begin at the Scott Arboretum offices and is free and open to the public.

LOCATION: ON OUR MAIN STREETS
Scott Arboretum Offices, 500 College Avenue in Swarthmore